South African Wine News, South Africa
03-27-07
Ladybugs may be cute, but watch out when they get near wine
by Biology News Net
In some places, the polka-dotted insects have become a nuisance by invading
homes and crops, including some vineyards. The bugs produce a foul-smelling
liquid that, besides irritating homeowners, can be inadvertently processed along
with grapes and taint the aroma and flavor of wine.
Now, chemists at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, say they have
identified several compounds that are responsible for the ladybug’s noxious odor,
a finding that could lead to new strategies to detect and eliminate the offensive
compounds. Their study, which could lead to better tasting wine, was presented
today at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society.